Friday, March 2, 2012

For
Jesus, 40 days in the desert before His public ministry was a time of
refocusing on what was essential. We celebrate the cycle of nature and
rhythm of life by the Church's liturgical year. Annually we're given 40
days to do as Jesus did, purify and refocus. If we "give up" something
for Lent the whole purpose is to simplify, to remind ourselvces how
little we truly need if we depend on God for
everything. 40 days of invitations to live a simpler life, to spend
more time in prayer with the Lord, to act on our love for others -- a
truly radical lifestyle by today's standards. The world conspires to
dissipate our energies, our goals, our time -- our spirit. Lent invites
us to let go of whatever distracts us from the truly essential things:
love God, love your neighbor. 40 days: you can do it.